Woke up with another pimple along your jawline? You’re not alone. Acne on the jawline is one of the most stubborn and frustrating skin concerns. And it doesn’t care if you’re a teen or an adult. It just shows up—usually at the worst time.
The good news? You don’t have to live with it forever. Understanding what causes jawline acne is the first step. And the second? Finding effective, personalised treatments that actually work.
At Lumine Dermatology, we specialise in helping people with acne-prone skin find long-term relief. Let’s break it all down—from the root causes to effective treatments and prevention tips that can help you finally feel confident in your skin.
Acne on the jawline is exactly what it sounds like—pimples that pop up along the lower part of your face, usually near the chin and jaw area. It can range from small whiteheads and blackheads to painful cystic acne.
This kind of acne tends to be deeper and more inflamed than typical T-zone breakouts. And guess what? It often signals a larger issue beneath the surface, such as hormonal imbalances or chronic inflammation.
Hormonal fluctuations are a major contributory factor to jawline acne.
Think of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These hormonal shifts increase oil production in your sebaceous glands. And that excess oil can clog pores, leading to breakouts.
Some people also notice that acne gets worse right before their period. That’s because estrogen drops and androgen spikes, making your skin oilier.
Stress releases cortisol (a stress hormone) that can mess with your body’s natural balance. Result? More oil, more clogged pores, and more acne flare-ups.
Lack of sleep, poor hydration, and sedentary habits can also affect your skin’s ability to heal and regenerate.
It is important to eliminate heavy, pore-clogging skincare or makeup products in your routine.
Acne-prone skin needs non-comedogenic formulas. That means products that won’t block your pores or trigger an inflammatory response.
Also, over-exfoliating or using harsh cleansers can strip the skin of it’s natural moisture, causing paradoxical increases in oil production, which then makes acne worse.
Our diet is often closely linked to acne. Diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and dairy can lead to an increase in circulating insulin growth factor hormones which then triggers an increase in sebum production.
This leads to more acne on the jawline. There is also an association between the gut and skin, also known as the gut-skin axis. In general, a healthy gut is linked to healthier skin while a “leaky gut” may be associated with acne. Diets rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories e.g the Mediterranean diet, low in dairy and low in glycaemic index can make a difference to the control of jawline acne.
Wearing a mask all day? Or maybe you're not cleansing your face properly or double cleansing, or perhaps even leaving your makeup on for too long. This could lead to occlusion, bacteria build up and exacerbation of acne.
Not sure if your acne is hormonal? Here’s how to tell:
If this sounds like you, hormonal therapy might be part of your solution. Lumine Derm can help you navigate your options.
The basics backbone of acne acne treatment is a simple but supportive routine with a simple cleanser, moisturizer and active ingredients like:
Consistency is key and you will need to stick with a routine for at least a month before reaping the benefits.
Many cases of hormonal acne need more than just creams.
We recommend a dermatologist-guided plan for these.
When at-home routines aren’t cutting it, our clinic steps in. We offer:
Each treatment plan is customised to your unique skin type, specific acne symptoms, and overall health.
Good skincare habits make a difference. Try these:
Little habits add up. Prevention isn’t perfect, but it reduces the chances of stubborn acne breakouts.
Here’s what makes us different:
You deserve skin that makes you feel confident. Whether it’s stubborn acne or hormonal breakouts that won’t go away, Lumine Dermatology is here to help.
Book a consultation today and start your journey toward healthier, clearer skin!
We’ll work with you to create a realistic, effective treatment plan. One that fits your life, your skin, and your goals.
Jawline acne often correlates with hormonal changes and typically appears in the lower part of the face. It’s usually deeper and more cystic than regular acne, which can occur anywhere and may be caused by a combination of factors, including lifestyle factors, bacteria, clogged pores, or excess oil. It is often known as the more stubborn counterpart of adolescent acne and is often more difficult and persistent to treat.
Yes. Oral contraceptives can help balance hormones and reduce sebum production, especially if your acne is tied to your menstrual cycle or hormonal imbalance. Consult a dermatologist to determine if this option is suitable for you.
It might. Reducing sugar, dairy, and processed foods while improving gut health can lower inflammatory response and stabilise insulin levels, which in turn may reduce breakouts. Stop ingestion of protein powder as this may be driving your acne and swap animal dairy for plant dairy whenever possible.
It depends on the severity and cause of your acne.
Absolutely. Stress increases cortisol, which boosts oil production and worsens inflammation. Practising stress management techniques, such as deep breathing or improving sleep, can help keep breakouts under control.
Stick with a gentle cleanser, non-comedogenic products, and lightweight moisturisers. Don’t over-wash or scrub your skin. Adding ingredients like retinoids, azelaic acid, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can also help.
If over-the-counter options haven’t worked or your acne is painful, persistent, or scarring, it’s time to see a specialist. At Lumine Dermatology, we’ll help you find a plan that actually works, so you’re not stuck guessing.
